Chassis lubrication



Oct. 21, 1930.

J. BIJUR CHASSIS LUBRICATION Filed July 3 1925 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 I I v Ili m.

ATTORNEYS Oct. 21, 1930. J. BU UR 1,779,205

CHASSIS LUBRICATION Filed July 30, 1923 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 J69 J68 3Z5 J61 377 INVENTOR Jose it fii'llr Y [7 ATTO R N EYS CHASSIS LUBRICATION Filed July 1923 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 B Y Y M ATTORNEYS Patented Oct. 21, 1930 UNITED T TES PATENT OFFICE.

JOSEPH BIJ'UR, 01 NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR, BY lllllllSlQ'Ilil ASSIGNMENTS, T0 AUTO RESEARCH CORPORATION, A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE CHASSIS LUBRICA'JIION' Application filed July 30, 1923' Serial No. 654,606.

My present inventionrelates primarily to chassis lubrication. and is more especially concerned with the lubrication, from a single source, of a fitting having two or more bearings that are relatively displaceable dur ing normal operation.

Although many of the broader features of the invention are applicable to the lubrication of various types of chassis fittings or elements, \the present application shows the invention applied particularly to spring shackles It is an object of the invention to provide a spring shackle with lubricating appurtenances which will assure proper distribution of oil to each of the two bearings thereof, without excessive overflow or deficiency at either bearing,

By my invention, I accom lish the object stated, while preserving su stantiall simple and rugged construction, and t e inobtrusive size and form of shackles of conventional desi n, and avoiding protruding parts that are ikely to be destroyed or torn ofi during use of the vehicle.

In one general or broad ty e of embodiment, the lubricant is directe in series, entering at and lubricating one bearing from which part of the lubricant continues in its flow to the other hearing. In one more specific embodiment of this type, the lubricant is delivered first to the upper of the bolts and passes by ravity therefrom to the lower. It is referred in this case to provide a passage 1n the form of a well, groove or depression extending along the upper bearin surface and preferably at the unloade side thereof, and supplied through an inlet delivering at one part of the length of the depression, a duct in turn tapping another part of the len th of said depression to supply the lower Imlt by gravit flow. Thus, the oil supplied to the shac 1e would have to ass lengthwise of the depression at the unoaded upper bearing, before any can passon to the lower bearing, assuring reliablegin brication, since oil in the de ression wdiild naturally spread therefrom a out the upper bearing, the excess beyond that useful for .the latter passing on to the lower bearing.

the I To avoid protruding conduits, it is preferred to allow the oil to pass from the upper to the lower bolt, either through an appropriate duct bored longitudinally through one or both of the links or by a construction in which the duct is formed in the contacting surfaces of two superposed link elements, welded or rigidly clamped into a unitary composite link element. In the application to spring shackles of the tension type in which the lower bolt is loose or unloaded at the upper surface thereof and pressed firmly downwardly against the link, lubricant might be lost if the conduit through the link were passed without special precaution directly from the upper bolt to the lower.

The bore in the link may, accordingly, be-

specially conformed to deliver the lubricant from the upper bolt to the lower or loaded surface of the lower bolt, or alternatively the eyes. of one of the links may be arranged to be tightened about the two bolts, so that no leakage will occur even in a direct con duit link. i

In another embodiment, the lubricant is passed preferably to the more readily acces sible of the two bearings, the excess beyond the requirements of said inlet bearing being passed on by pressure to the companion hearing. For this purpose, it is'important to deliver the lubricant to the inlet hearing more rapidly than it can leak therefrom, thereby assuring delivery of lubricant at the other bearings, If the inlet bearing is likely to develop looseness in use, it may be desirable to supply the lubricant thereto in a single charge or slug, rather than by a dripping action. To assure transmission of lubricant from the inlet to the other bearing, particularly in constructions in which the latter is at a higher level than the former, it is preferred either to provide a check valve normall closing the connecting duct against loss of In ricant thercfron'l, and opening in operation to transmit lubricant, or alternatively to passage between the bolts along said rovide an open connecting duct of quite one movable as a unit with one of the links,

the other two unitary, one with each of the bolts, tight swiveling joints coaxial with the bolts establishing communication at all times with respect to the connecting section. In

compression shackle links of the .type under consideration, lubricant would be preferably admitted to the upper or frame bolt and would be passedto the lower bolt through a duct directly connecting the eyes of one of the links, the ends of said duct being thus at loaded parts of the bolts with respect to the links, whereby leakage is avoided. In the case of tension links, the ends of a connecting pipe between the bolts may extend axially of the two bolts and have an oil-tight swiveling connectiorrwith respect thereto, to permit the rotary adjustment of said bolts, a wick being preferably provided to feed the lubricant upward from the lower bolt, at which the oil is preferably admitted, to the upper bolt. It is desirable in shackles of this type both of the compression and tension link variety, to provide in the bolt at which the lubricant is admitted, a special trough to collect-the lubricant in excess of that flowing about said bolt, which excess will be reliably delivered to the companion bolt.

In the accompanying drawings in which are shown some of various possible embodiments of the several features of the invention,

Fig. 1 is a view partly in longitudinal section of one form of spring shackle construction,

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary view on a smaller scale showing the application of the shackle to the vehicle,

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 1 of a modified form,

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional View of a preferred form of drip or seepage plug fits,

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 4 of a further modification,

Fig. 7 is a transverse sectional view taken along the line 77 of Fig. 6,

Fig. 8 is afragmentaryview in longitudinal cross-section of a spring shackle showing another embodiment,

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8 of a further embodiment,

Fig. 10 is 'a longitudinal sectional view taken along the line 10-10 of Fig. 9,

Flgs. 11, 12 and 13 are fragmentary views in longitudinal section of modified forms of spring shackle,

Figs. 14 and 15 are views taken respectively in side elevation and vertical section of a modified form of lubricating appurtenance,

Fig. 16 is a view similar to Fig. 15 of a further modification,

Fig. 17 is a view in longitudinal section of a further modified type of shackle,

Figs. 18 and 19 are detail sectional views respectively along the lines 1818 and 1919 of Fig. 17

Fig. 20 is a view similar to Fig. 17 of a modified form, and

' Fig. 21- is a detail sectional view taken along the line 2121 of Fig. 20.

Referring now to Figs. 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings, I have indicated in Fig. 3 a fragmentary view of one common type of rear end construction of a motor vehicle chassis,

including a vehicle spring 40 having an eye 41.encircling a shackle bolt 42, the links 43 extending downward therefrom and supporting the downwardly curved rear 44 of the chassis frame 45 by a bolt 46 extending through the links and through the eye 47 at the end of said chassis frame, the shackle links in this construction being obviously under tension.

For lubricating both of the bolts 42 and 46 of the tension shackle from a source of lubricant on the chassis frame, l have illustratively indicated a straight line drip plug 48 anchored as at 49 upon the frame and supplied by pipe 50 from the source of lubricant (not shown) under pressure and dripping the lubricant for gravity flow through a flexible lubricant conduit 51 provided with a terminal elbow fitting 52 threaded in lieu ofan oil cup into the end of the upper bolt 42. The flexible conduit 51 has sutlicient extra length to accommodate the relative movement bedripping action through the plug to drop by gravity through the flexible pipe to the shackle. A preferred specific form of drip plug is shown in Fig. 5 and will be described in detail below.

Referrin more particularly to Fig. 1, the spring shac le has substantially conventional external appearance, the upper bolt 42 being directly encircled by the bushing 53 within the spring eye 41 and the lower bolt 46 encircled by the bushing 54 within the frame eye 47 nuts 55 at the ends of the bolts clamping the parallel links 43 together against said eyes and bushings. "As will be apparent, in the tension shackle construction shown, the load on the lower bolt will tend to press said bolt downward in the lower link eyes 56 and to draw the upper. link eye 57 downward upon the upper bolt 42, so that the bolts are unloaded at the sides 58' and 59, as shown on exaggerated scale in Fig. 2. The loading of the bushings relative to the bolts, as will be apparent, is the reverse of that of the bolts relative to the links 43. The lower bushing 54 is loaded upon the upper side of the bolt, and the bolt 42 is pressed at its lower side upon spring eye bushing 53. The upper bearing has a longitudinal oil passage, well, groove, flat or depression 60 preferably cut into the upper or unloaded surface of the bolt. A longitudinal duct 61 through the bolt 42 communicates from the elbow inlet fitting 52 through a radial offset 63, with the assa e 60 'which assa e communicates through a radial duct 64 in the bolt and a longitudinal duct 65 with a downward radial .outlet 66 delivering in the plane of link 43 to the unloaded side 59 of the upper eye, to

supply the lower bolt through a duct 67 through the link to'be described below. Duct .67 communicates with an appropriate longitudinal duct 68 in the lower bolt leading to a well or de ression 69, preferably at the unloaded sur ace thereof, from which the lubricant delivered to the lower bolt, spreads thereabout in the manner readily understood.

As'shown in the drawings, the inlet 63 to passage 6O is spaced longitudinally of the bolt from the outlet 64 therefrom, the depression 60 being preferably midway between the ends of the bolt and. said inlet and outlet respectively near the opposite ends of .the

depression. By this arrangement, it follows that in operation, the passage 60'must be substantially' charged with oil before drainage will take place through outlet 64 to the lower bolt. Oil delivered to the depression'60 will, however quickly spread, as by capillary action and be wiped as bolt 42 oscillates to adequately lubricate the upper bolt, only the excessbeyond the lubricant requiredfor said upper bo t passing on to the lower, as will appear more fully below. If the lubricant were passed transversely through, rather than along the bolt surface in its path to the lowerbolt, it might find too easy a path to the latter, so that inadequate lubrication of the upper bolt would be likely to ensue.

As set forth, it is generally/preferred to admit the lubricant to each of the bolts at a groove or flat at an unloaded partthereof, thereby avoiding the reduction of the effective wearing surface of thebearing, whiqh would followif the groove were at the loaded surface.- The preferred arrangeme'nt eliminates the likelihood of the edges of the groove injuring or destroying the hearing by cutting or wearing a ridge into the bushing. It-

should be noted, however, that manyof the advantages of the specific construction described, and of the alternative constructions described hereinafter may be attained even if the lubricant is admitted to either or both of the bolts or bearings at the loaded part thereof. v

In the application to tension link shackles, if the duct through the shackle link for passing lubricant to the lower bolt connected the bolts directly, there would be the possibility of a substantial fraction of the .oil becoming lost atthe unloaded or upper surface 58 of the ducing the duct desired for this purpose will be apparent from Fig. 2. The link 43 is drilled to forma longitudinal bore 71 at one end extending beyond the eye 57 and a longitudinal bore 72 at the opposite end extending to eye 56. Lateral drill holes 73 and 74 are formed from one edge of the link, communicating respectively with drilled holes 71 and 72 and a longer longitudinal hole 75 is bored offset from the eyes 56 and 57, illustratively from the lower end to establish communica-. tion between the lateral bores 73 and 74. The

linkis then plugged as at 76, 77, 78, 79 and 80,

is preferred to construct and arrange the bolts in such manner that they can be applied in assembly' of the shackle only in a single predetermined and correct relation. For this purpose, the bolts 42 and 46 may be provided with generally round rather than hexagonal heads, each head flattened at one part only as at 42 and 46' for engagement with the usual lugs 81 integral withlinks 43. Thus, the wells or depressions are located at the unloaded sides of the bearings, and the transverse ducts 66 and 68' in the'bolts are aligned with the corresponding ends of the tortuous ducts through the link and'remain correctly positioned throughout operation, since lugs 81 prevent relative rotation between the bolts and the link.

, Fig. 4 shows a modified form of spring shackle of special use, though not limited to tension link application. In this embodiment, the link 82 is formed with a tight fit so as to provide the tortuous duct there- I pered as at 86 beyond eye 87, the link 82 aving corresponding tapered eyes 88 to provide a fit which is renderedtight by the nuts 89 threaded upon the ends of the bolts and pressing through washers 90 against the link, affording some clearance for the shoulder 91 at the taper plugs 86, thereby assuring tight jamming or Wedgin Preferably keys 92 are provided in the link coacting with corresponding slots in the tapered ends of the bolts to prevent any eventual relative rotation between the bolts and the link, so that the duct 85 wheironcmset in correct alignment with the ducts 93 and 94 respectively in the upper and lower bolts, will be maintained in such alignment throughout use.

In the illustrative embodiment shown, .a drip plug P illustratively of the elbow type, a preferred form of which is shown in detail in Fig. 5 is threaded into the spring eye as at 95 and drips into a depression or well 96 inthe upper or unloaded surface of the upper bolt,

said depression delivering at 98 through lon-' gitudinal duct element 97 with the vertical outlet duct 93, that communicates with the link duct 85. As in Fig. 1, the inlet to passage 96 is spaced longitudinally of passage 96 from outlet 98 to assure adequacy of lubrication at the upper bolt. A similar arrangement of duct is provided at the lower bolt to feed the lubricantdelivered from link duct 85 into the well. or depression 99, which in the present embodiment is illustratively shown at the side'of the bolt. It will, of course, be apparent that the excess lubricant beyond that which lubricates the upper bolt from depression 96 will flow through the duct 93 leading from the upperbolt to and-through the link duct, 85 to the lower bolt and this without loss at the'connections or joints between the bolts and the link, since the joints are adequately tightened by the taper friction fit.

A preferred form of drip or seepage plug fitting shown apart in Fig. 5 is an improvement over those shown in my copending application, Serial No. 580,668, filed Aug. 9,

1922. In the preferred form, this drip. plug com rises a support element 100 of square stoc formed as a threaded lug 101 at its inner end for insertion at a hearing in lieu of an oil cup, and rovided with a transverse slightly tapere socket 102 at its upper end into which is threaded the correspondingly tapered end of an inlet cartridge 103 which may be formed of round stock. To introduce high resistance to flow through the fitting, a longitudinal bore 105, preferably about long, in the plug 101, has a length of metal wire or restriction stem 107 therein. said wire plug being in the neighborhood of .005" smaller in diameter than the bore, which latter is preferably about in diameter, leaving a minute restriction or annular crevice or passage about the wire, afl'ording a permanent high resistance to flow. If desired, the pin or stem 107 may be of sufficient length to extend substantially across the width of the socket 102, so as to prevent substantial lengthwise movement thereof.

In order to limit the bulk of the drip plug, and particularly to use square stock of small gauge for the support element, and yet provide a suflicient threaded length in socket .102 for adequately securing cartridge 103 in place therein, it is preferred to position longitudinal bore 105 through plug 101 eccentrically thereof, as shown, terminating at 106 near the inner end of socket 102 beyond the inner end ofcartridge 103. I

The wire stem 107 is maintained'in place against dropping out from the bore by a sheet metal cap member 108 preferably press-fitted into a corresponding socket 109 at the free end 'of the plug and provided preferably with a central or axial aperture 110 for egress of the lubricant delivered past the restriction pin.

A relief valve 111 is disposed within the cartridge 103 and is urged tight against a ledge 112 forming an annular seat 113 preferably of diameter no greater than by a coil spring 114 reacting against a sheet metal cap 115 similar to cap 108 press-fitted into the b(f)le of the cartridge near the inner end there- 0 To assure effective seating of the relief valve, the valve seat is preferably highly burnished and the seating surface of the valve, as in my copending application .referred to, and in my copending application, Serial No. 596,856 filed Oct. 25, 1922, is provided with a seating portion of a material yielding to compensate for possible irregularities in the seat, smooth, to seat completely under light pressure, substantially impervious and chemically inert to oil and nonsticking. In one type of construction the seating portion comprises an oil-proof yielding backing with a smooth oil-proof, pliable and non-sticking facing to engage the valve seat. The backing may be smooth cork, or oil-proof rubber compound, one commercial form of which is known as Hippohyde, varnished cambric, or any oil-proof gasket material. The facing may be metal foil, ani-. mal membrane, sheet celluloid, non-porous leather or leather substitute, or oil paper, linen or silk. In the drawings, the rigid valve disk has secured thereto, the yielding backing layer 104 as of varnished cambric covered withthe facing 104' as of oil paper. If oiled or varnished cambric, paper, linen or silk is treated in any of the known methods to avoid the sticky surfaces, it may be used in lieu of the two-ply backing and facing construction just described.

In the inlet end of the fitting, preferably adjacent the valve seat, I provide a felt plug 116 serving as a strainer or screen to prevent the entr intov the'fitting of any solid particles'pic ed up in the line, this plug being backed at. its inner end by a small mesh metal screen 117 pressed against the rear of ledge 112, to intercept anyhairs released from the ,felt in operation and to support the felt.

The felt plug is maintained in the inlet end of the line against possible escape therefrom by a sheet metal cap 119 similar to caps 108 and 115 press-fitted into the end of said bore, there being a space 118 preferably between the cap and the plug, so that the oil entering into the line will spread over the entire cross-sectional area of the plug before passing therethrough and to avoid excessive compression of plug'116 in the application of cap 119.

For attaching the metallic inlet pipe 120 tothe cartridge 1.03, it is preferred to flare the end of said pipe as at 121 to cont ct the correspondingly tapered edge 122 of th cartridge fitting, and to be in turn engaged by the similarly tapered inner shoulder 123 upon a union nut 124, encircling the pipe .nd and threaded upon the end of the cartridge 103, thereby jamming or clamping the flared pipe end tightly between shoulder 123 and bevel 122. The nut 124 is preferably elongated. as at 125 to afford a long bearing between it and the pipe 120, whereby the pipe is supported ahead of the flared portion.

It will be understood that the drip plugs would in general be mounted to deliver in multiple at various bearings in an installation, oil supplied thereto from a central source of pressure as in my copending application, Serial No. 580,668 filed August 9, 1922.

In Figs. 6 and 7 is shown another alternative form of shackle link of the same general external appearance as that in Fig. 1, in which an elbow drip plug P similar to that of Fig. 5, is illustratively shown fitting in the end of the upper bolt 126 in lieu of an oil cup, said drip plug being supplied fromaflexible metal pipe or conduit 127 connected to the source of lubricant on the frame. The drip plug connects through a duct 128 longitudinally of the upper bolt communicating at its upwardly extending end 129 with a Well or depression 130 at the upper or unloaded side of said bolt. In this embodiment, the excess lubricant beyond that required to meet the requirement of the upper bolt, exudes at the ends of the bushing 131 to flow along the links 132 and to enter at the ends of the lower bushing 133 by capillary action in order to lubricate the lower bolt 134. The lubricant, if desired, may be allowed to flow along the inner exposed surfaces of the links on its way to the lower bolt, in which case, loss of some of the lubricant might be entailed, and dirt or dust might be'carried along to the lower bolt.

In order to avoid such loss and to avoid feeding oil charged with dust or dirt picked up from the links, I provide the construction shown in which the usual forged stamped link. has superposed thereon, a stamped metal leaf 135 of the same. peripheral or external appearance as the link and with a longitudinal groove or duct 136 in the inner surface thereof, connected between the eyes 137 thereof, the latter of diameter somewhat larger than the eye diameter of the link 132, so as to embrace the ends of bushings 131 and 133 as shown. The composite link construction may be at only one of the links, although as shown in the drawings, it is preferred to provide it on both links. As shown, the upper bushing may be beveled at its opposite ends, particularly at the lowermost part thereof as at 138, and the lower bushing 133 may be similarly beveled at the uppermost part thereof as at 139 to expedite the flow of excess oil respectively from the upper bolt and to the lower bolt. The operation will be apparent, the excess lubricant beyond that for the requirements of the upper bolt, after working its way from the well 130 along the bearing surface, es-

caping at the notches 138 and flowing down the two ducts 136 and entering through the corresponding notches 139 between the bushing 133 and the lower bolt 134.

The construction of Fig. 8 is similar to Fig. 7 except that the link leaves 140 are devoid of the eyes encircling the bushings, but terminate short of the upper eye 141 and the lowereye (not shown). The links 142 are pressed in usual manner, each against the contiguous end of the eye and bushing 141. The leaves 140 are welded or otherwise rigidly secured to the link and each is provided with an outstanding lip 143 at its extrcme upper end, partially straddling the lower part of the upper eye, said lips forming troughs to intercept the lubicant dripping from the ends of the upperbearing for delivery through duct 144 to the lower bolt. The embodiment shown in Figs. 9 and 10 is similar to that of Figs. 6 and 7 except that in this case, the superposed metal leaf 145 is of the same size and shape as the link to which it is welded and has a channel or groove 146 therein connecting the eyes thereof, the lower end of the upper eye having a notch 147 out thereinto, adjacent the end of the bushing 148, so that the excess lubricant dripping from the upper bolt will pass into the notch 147 and down the grooves 146 to the lower bolt.

In'Fig. 11 is shown a spring shackle *construction of general applicatlon, designed particularly, so that no dirt, dust or water can enter the bearing to interfere with the efficacy of the lubrication thereof. The present embodiment includes the usual pair of bolts, the upper 361 of which only is shown encircled by the bushing 362 within the eye 363 either of the spring or in the frame, depending' on whether the shackle is applied for tension or compression of the links thereof. The bushing in the present case is longer than the eye as shown and protrudes therebeyond at both ends to take the thrust of the links. which are pressedthereagainst when the bolt 361 is tightened by threading through the link 364 and secured by the lock nut 365. In the present embodiment, each link 364 is formed with a stepped annular.

groove including a deeper depression 366 for the ends of the bushing and another and shallower depression 367 coaxial therewith for accommodating compression washers 368 encircling the bushing ends andof normal thickness, greater than the depth of groove 367 and of width less than the thick ness of the wall of eye 363, so that as the parts are tightened, the washers 368 will be compressed and concealed by the 'contact or substantial contact of the links and ends of the eyes, the thrust, as heretofore noted, being taken by bushing 362.

In this case, I have shown the bushing notched as at 369 at opposite ends thereof in alignment with ducts 370 extending longitudinally of the links, so that the excess of lubricant supplied say through the drip plug P at the upper bolt 361, after working its way along the bearing surface will pass from the bolt 361 through the notches 369 and along ducts 370 to the lower bolt (not shown). In this case, I have illustratively shown a groove 371 in the unloaded side of the bushing in lieu of the well, depression, flat or groove in the bolt shown in other views.

In Fig. 12 is shown a fragmentary View of a somewhat modified form of inlet arrangement applied illustratively to a shackle of the common type in which the nut 375 on bolt 376 clam is the link 377 against the interposed bushing 378. In lieu of the stepped groove in this case, for accommodating the bushing end and the washer of Fig. 11, each link is here provided with but a simple annular groove 379 about the eyes, against the inner portion of which the bushing has a thrust lit, the felt washer 380 similar to that shown in Fig. 11 directly encircling the bushing at its extreme end and fitting snugly in the annular space between the periphery of the groove and the outer surface of the bushing 378. The upper bushing 378 is surrounded by the spring eye 381 or theframe eye, depending on whether the application is to a tension or compression shackle. The link or links 377 have longitudinal bores 382 therein similar to those in Fig. 11 except that these bores are separated from the counter bore 379 by a thin intervening ledge 383 which is broken away as at 384 adjacent the bushing to facilitate the flow of excess lubricant from the upper bearing surface through the duct 382 to the lower bearing surface, which it enters at a similar cut-away portion (not shown).

In both the embodiments of Figs. 11 and 12, the parts are arranged so that the thrust is taken between the link and the end of the bushing rather than between the link and the end of the eye, there being a minute clearance crevice 385 greatly exaggerated in the drawings between the latter two elements. The felt, leather or other washer acts, in effect, as a battle, any dust, dirt or water which might find its way through the crevice 385 being kept thereby from passing through the grooved surface or about the bushing end to the bearing.

It will be seen that in the event of wear between the link and the bushing 362 or 378, the subsequent tightening of the bolt in Fig. 11 or of the nut in Fig. 12 may transfer the thrust bearing from the bushing to the eye, in which event the dust and waterproof character of the fitting will be substantially preserved since foreign matter could only with difficulty pass through the now tightened joint between the link and the eye, the washer 368 or 380 blocking the advance of such foreign matter to the bearings, as heretofore.

In Fig. 13 is shown a further modification similar in general construction to Fig. 12, but different in operation. Instead of the compressible washer 380 of Fig. 12, I have provided a metallic baflle comprising an annulus 386 preferably press-fitted over the end of the bushing 387 and thus constituting a unitary part thereof and terminating slightly beyond the end thereof, so as to take the thrust between the link and the eye relieving the length of the bushing of all thrust. The annulus 386 has an integral outstanding flange 388 at its outer end, of diameter, substantially equal to that of the counterbore 389 in the link, thereby leaving an annular groove or space 390 between the flange 388 andthe eye 387.

The flange 388 acts as a gravity bafile, blocking the passage of foreign matter which would have to climb to the top of the flange, around the flange and then force its way past the tightened thrust bearing to enter the bearing. The water, dust or dirt would naturally follow the path of least resistance, entering through crevice 391 into the annular space 390 passing by gravity about said annulus and egcoaping at the lower part of the crevice at The specific embodiment shown in Figs. 14 and 15 includes a connecting pipe 512 soldered at its ends to annuli 513 superposed over the heads of bolts 265' and 270' and maintained pressed thereagainst by screw plugs 514, which extend therethrough and which are threaded into the bolt heads, gaskets 513 at opposite faces of the annuli 513, maintaining the tightness of the connection. The conduit, as shown, is from the well 264' in the lower bolt through a. corresponding radial duct 266' and longitudinal duct 267' therein and in plug 514, one or more radial ducts 515 in the latter communicating with a peripheral groove 516, which, in turn, communicates with the connecting pipe 512, the latter delivering to the well in the upper bolt, through an arrangement of ducts similar to that at the lower bolt.

A rod 512 is preferably provided substantially filling the connecting tube 512, leaving clearance in the order of about .01 inch. Similar rods 517 and 518 may be provided to provide similar clearances in ducts 267' and 276' respectively, the clearance being shown exaggerated.

It will be seen that the volume of the connecting passage between the lower well and the upper well is quite small, the cross-section of said passage being merely the minute cylini drical gaps around the rods, which crosssection is, however, sufficiently large to avoid excessive resistance to flow.

In the present embodiment, it will be seen that no check valve is necessary. The capillary action in the cylindrical connecting passages is, however, such in the present case, that the oil would not easily escape therefrom. Moreover, the volume of said connecting passage is reduced to such extent that even if it were entirely drained after each charge, the loss of oil would be too little to be objectionable.

The alternative embodiment of Fig. 16 shows a lubricating arrangement for a tension shackle of a particular type, which compensates for wear of the parts. automatically maintaining the links firmly pressed against the bushing at all times. In this embodiment, each of the bolts 520 is encircled at one of its ends by a coil spring 521 exerting pressure through a holding cup 522 at the exterior of the contiguous link 523 or 524. The opposite end of the bolt may be provided with the usual head, but, in the present embodiment, it is tapered as in Fig. 4 to provide an oil-tight fit with link 524, a nut 525 threaded on the end of the bolt maintaining the tightness of the taper plug 526 with respect to the link. The present shackle it will be understood would be installed on the vehicle substantially as those shown in Fig. 12. so that the resilience of coil spring 521 would tend to press both of the links 523 and 524 against the interposed frame eye 532 and spring bushing 533.

The lubricant is supplied to the shackle through a fitting 261' threaded into the frame eye 532, and communicating through a longitudinal duct 527 in said frame eye, with a longitudinal duct 528 through the'link 523, the latter, in turn, communicating through a duct 529 with a well, flat or depression 534 in the upper bolt, which, in turn, communicates through duct 535 with a longitudinal duct 530 in the other link 524, the latter, in turn, communicating through a duct 531 with the flat, depression or well 538 illustratively shown in the side of the lower bolt 520. To accommodate the small angular relative movement between the links 523-524 and the frame eye 532. the lower end of the duct 528 is preferably widened somewhat as at 536. so that it is always in registry with the end of the'duct 527.

In the present embodiment, it will be seen that the tightness of the bearing surface between theframe eye 532 and the link 523 is relied upon to prevent objectionable leak in feedin lubricant to the latter. The lubricant is orced upward through ducts 528 and 529 to depression 534 from which the upper bolt is lubricated, excess draining through ducts 535, 530 and 531 to the well in the lower bolt.

The link 524 is here shown bored accord ing to a special method. Drills (not shown) of diameter materially larger than bore 530 are used to bore through the ends of the link past the eyes thereof, to form wells 536 between the eyes, whereupon the smaller drill for bore 530, need bore merely the relatively short length of link between wells 536. The larger bores beyond the link eyes are then sealed as by screw plugs 537. In the use of only small drills, difliculty might be encountered in preventing deflection thereof, in the unsupported traverse across the link e es, so that the bores from opposite ends of tie link may fail to meet. By the present method, this difiiculty isohviated, in that the larger drills are sufliciently stiff to resist deflection from true in their unguided traverse across the eyes and the smaller drill is guided throughout its course by the metal of the link.

In Figs. 17 to 19 I have shown means for lubricating another type of spring shackle. In the present embodiment, the upper anchor or frame e 'e 226 is provided with a lubricant inlet tting P, preferably a drip plug of the type shown in Fig. 5, said drip plug being threaded through the bushing b to discharge at the upper or loaded surface of the upper bolt 220. The bushing is provided with a narrow groove 540 extending through a short are, from which the upper bolt is lubricated. Part of the lubricant to the groove is drained to the lower bolt through a special arrangement of ducts now to be descrlbed. A plurality of independent passages through the upper bolt 220' communicate with a connecting duct 541 between the bolts, said passages being so arranged that regardless what the rotary position of adjustment of the bolt 220 at least one of the passages therethrough communimetral bore 548 at right angles to said first bore and substantially at the opposite lateral edge of the groove 540. The groove 540 extending through an arc of 90 degrees or more, it follows that regardless what the rotary position of the bolt, one of the four radial bores 542-543, at least, is in direct communication with the groove in the bushing to supply lubricant therefrom. The bolt is shown provided with a longitudinal axial cylindrical bore 544 into which is forced a squared rod 545 with its edges 546 tightly jammed in place. The separate longitudinal passages 547 thus formed by the gaps between the bore and the flats of the rod, are aligned with the respective radial bores 542543, and a lead washer 548 at the inner end of the rod forms an oil-tight seal thereat, which prevents the passage of lubricant from one to the other of said passages 547. The bore 544 is preferably enlarged in diameter at the outer end thereof and is closed or sealed by a screw plug 550 threaded thereinto thereby determining a trough 549 into which lubricant from the groove 540 drains through one or two of the radiating passages 542543, and the corresponding longitudinal passage 547. An arrangement of ducts 542 and 543 similar to the ducts identified by the same numerals unprimed, extends through the trough, so that one at least of said ducts will communicate with an arcuate depression or groove 552 in the lower. or loaded side of the eye of link 222. The connecting pipe 541 is shown extending inward through an oblique aperture 553 through the link 222 into direct draining communication with the groove 552, said duct being preferably soldered or brazed in place and having a similar connection 554 at the lower end thereof. to drain to a groove 555 similar to groove 552 and at the upper or loaded surface of the lower eye of link 222'. By reason of the oblique relation of the ends of pipe 541, the latter is curved between its ends, as shown.

The lower bolt is provided with diametral bores 556 and 557 similar to those of the upper bolt to assure draining the lubricant from the groove 555 regardless what the position of rotary adjustment of said lower bolt. A squared rod 558 is tightly fitted into a longitudinal bore 559 in the bolt and ex,- tends substantially to the middle of said bolt, the flats of said rod being also arranged to form longitudinal passages, aligned one with each of the bores 557 558. A bore 560 extends transversely through the inner end of bore 559, which latter extends beyond the end of rod 558, and a similar transverse bore 561 at right angles to bore 560 is bisected by the end of rod 558. Flag 562 sealedby a lead washer 563 at the outer end of lower bolt 220 prevents any leak of lubricant thereat.

It will be seen that according to the present invention, the familiar shackle construction need not be materially altered, a few additional bores being simply provided, the simple rod elements 545 and 558, screw plugs 550 and 56:2 and connecting pipe 541 being readily applied.

In operation, it will be seen that regardless what the position of adjustment of the upper belt 220, at least one of the four radiating ducts 542-543 is in registry with the groove 540, so that when lubricant is supplied through the drip plug P, some of the lubricant from groove 540 will work its way about the upper bolt to lubricate the latter, and the remainder of the discharge from the plug, will fiow through the radiating passage or passages 542543, at the time in registry therewith, whence it passes along the longitudinal passage 547 determined by the corresponding flat in rod 545, to pass into the trough 549. lit will be seen that at least one of the ducts 542-543' connects the trough 549 with the groove 552 in the link 2252', regardless what the rotary position of the bolt, so that the lubricant supplied to the trough 549 will pass by' gravity to said groove, whence it flows downward through the connecting duct 541 and is delivered to the corresponding link groove 555 at the other end. Since at least one of the radiating bores556557 is in registry with the groove 555, the lubricant passes on from the connecting pipe to the corresponding longitudinal duct of rod 558, whence it escapes near the end of said rod through one or more of the-various transverse bores 560561, to lubricate the spring eye bushing.

lit will be seen that lubricant from the passage547 in the upper bolt, would have to rise in trough 549 to,-at least, the level of the lowermost passage 547, before it could return therethrough and it will be apparent, of course. that the lubricant would drain through the connecting pipe 541 to the lower bolt, before it could rise to such level. so that the lubricant is reliably distributed to adequately lubricate the lower bearing. At the lower bolt the lubricant after passing lengthwise of plug 558, readily escapes to the bearing at bores 560561, and is thus unlike- 1y to return along the plug, or escape from the hearing at here 556.

lit will be noted that the connecting pipe 541 is joined to both the upper and the lower bolt at the tightened or loaded sides of the link eyes, so that an oil-tight seal is provided, the efiectiveness of which is not impaired by the rotary or swiveling adjust- Ell Gil-

ment of the bolts, with respect thereto and that the bolts are rotated to take up any play with the same facility as if my lubricating appurtenances were omitted.

In Fig. 20 is shown another embodiment of shackle of the general type set forth, particularly useful, however, in thetension link application. In this shackle, the frame eye 565 is at the lower bolt, the spring eye 566. at the upper bolt, the bolts being both threaded as at 567 through one of the links 568 and locked by nuts 569 and lock washers 569, as in the embodiment of Fig. 17, whereby side play may be taken up by a rotary adjustment of the bolts. In the present embodiment as in that of Fig. 17, I preler to provide an inlet drip plug P at the relatively fixed or anchor eye 565, that is, the frame eye, which in this case, carries the lower bolt 570. In this embodiment also, I have shown a plurality of radiatingducts 571 by way of illustration three in number supplied from a peripheral groove 591 about the bolt, in turn supplied from a longitudinal groove 590, at the upper surface of the bushing b. Ducts 571 communicate with corresponding longitudinal grooves 57 2 ina cylindrical rod 573 press-fitted into a corresponding. longitudinal axial bore 574: in the bolt, although the rod construction shown in Fig. 17 could be employed, if desired. To teed lubricant from the lower to the upper bolt, I here provide a wick 575 dipping into the trough formed by the enlarged outer end 576 of the bore 574. The wick 575 extends through a protecting tube 577, the ends of which extend longitudinally and axially of the respective bolts, as at 578, the wick delivering to radiating ducts 579 near the middle of the upper bolt, which latter empty into a peripheral groove 580.

To anchor the ends of the protective tube 577 with sufiicient tightness to prevent leak thereat, while yet permitting the rotary shackle-tightening adjustments of the bolts, without strain on said tube, I provide a swivel clamping connection therefor now to be described. In the preferred embodiment, the upper end of the connecting pipe which is preferably of copper or equivalent soft metal is dared as at 581 against a correspondingly tapered shoulder 582 in the bolt, and a correspondingly tapered wedge piece 583 is pressed thereagainst in clamping relation throu h a coil s rin 584 ti htened b a D L! E? gland 565 about the tube, which glan is threaded into the outer end of the bolt. The opposite end of the protective tube 577 is similarly iiared as at 586 and is similarly clamped in position, taper reaction piece 587 being provided instead of integral shoulder 582 at the upper bolt, said reaction piece being pressed against the shoulder 588 at the outer end of the trough 576. desire. 584: could be omitted, the glands transmitting pressure direct against the swiveling members or through clamping members 581 directly engaged by the glands. In this construction the glands as well as the nuts 569 would be loosened preparatory to rotating the bolts to take up other play.

Inoperation, regardless what the position of rotary adjustment of the lower bolt, the oil-filled longitudinal groove 590 supplies lubricant to peripheral groove 591, whence oil spreads about said bolt. At least one of the radiating bores 571 extending downward to plug 573, said bore will feed some of the lubricant by gravity from peripheral groove 591, thence through the associated passage 572 from which it drops into the trough 576, whence it will be sucked up by the wick 575 for delivery to the upper bolt. The capillary action of the wick will prevent any substantial accumulation of lubricantin the well 576, so that there is no likelihood of lubricant therefrom returning to the lower bolt, and adequate lubricationof the upper bolt is substantially assured.

In both embodiments shown in Figs. 17 to 21, it will be noted that the connecting passage between the inlet fitting and the bolt more remote therefrom, has three sections, one moving as a unit with a link, and the other two unitary, one with each of the bolts, the connections between said conduit sections being through tight swiveling surfaces coaxial with the link eyes.

Thus, when as a result of wear, play occurs between the links and the bushings, the shackle is tightened in the same manner as if thelubricating installation were not prescut. The nut 223is loosened and the bolt turned until the screw portion 221 of bolt 220' takes up the slack, whereupon said nut is retightened. In the former embodiment, the swiveling action of the connecting conduit with respect to the bolts, takes place at the eyes of the link, in the latter it takes place at the swiveled ends within the bolts.

I claim 1. As an article of manufacture, a link for a spring shackle having an oil conduit therein comprising a longitudinal bore from the upper end of the link terminating below the upper bolt hole, a longitudinal here from the lower end of the link to the lower bolt hole, transverse bores in a lateral edge ofthe link communicating with said longitudinal bores and abore of substantial length longitudinally of the link and client from the bolt holes connecting said transverse bores, all said bores being plugged at their outer ends to provide a continuous passage from the upper bolt to the lower or loaded surface of the lower bolt.

2. In a spring shackle, combination, a pair of parallel. bolts, having bearings respectively in a bushing in the frame and in a spring eye bushing, connecting shackle links therebetween and contacting the ends of said bushings, and an inlet fitting supplying lubricant to the upper bushing whereby excess lubricant beyond the requirements of the upper bolt will escape from beyond the ends of said upper bushing near said links and flow down said links and enter at the ends of said lower bushings to lubricate the lower bolt.

8. A spring shackle construction including a bolt having a bearing in the spring eye, a bolt having a bearing in the frame eye and connecting links between said bolts and rocking therewith, means for supplying lubricant to the upper of said bolts, conduit means for conveying lubricant from the upper to the lower of said bolts, said conduit means extending longitudinally of the hearing surfaces of said bolts, and longitudinally through one of the links, and means tightening the bolts with respect to said link to provide substantially an oil tight communicating passage betweenthe conduit elements in the bolts and in the link, whereby excess lubricant beyond the requirement of the upper bolt will be delivered substantially without loss to the lower bolt.

4. In a dust-proof spring shackle, in com bination, a pair of parallel bolts, bushings en circling said bolts, eyes shorter than said bushings encircling the same, parallel links near opposite ends of said bolts connecting the same, washers encircling the upper of the bushings and fitting in corresponding channels in said links, means drawing said links tight against said washers to press said washers against the corresponding eyes, an inlet fitting to supply lubricant to the upper bolt and channel means longitudinally through one of said links to pass lubricant from said upper to the lower bolt.

5. A dust and water-tight bearing comprising in combination, a bolt, a bushing encircling said bolt, end members having annular grooves accommodating the ends of said bushing, an eye shorter than said bushing encircling the same, and washers encircling said bushings and fitted between said end members and said eye in corresponding grooves,

the entire end face of each of said washers being contacted by the corresponding end of said eye.

6. A dust and water-tight bearing comprising a bolt, end members having simple annular grooves concentric with said bolts, bushings encircling said bolts and fitting into said grooves, eyes shorter than said bushings, and washers encircling the ends of said bushings and fitted between said bushings and the outer peripheries of the grooves and pressed by said eyes against said end members.

7. A dust and water-tight bearing comprising a pair of parallel bolts, links having simple annular grooves concentric with said art gees bolts, bushings encircling said bolts and fitting into said grooves, eyes shorter than said bushings encircling the same, washers encircling the ends of said bushings and fitted between said eyes and the outer peripheries of the grooves and pressed by said eyes against said links, and outlet duct means along said links for delivering excess lubricant from corresponding annular grooves in said links for thrust bearing thereagainst, and rigid washers press-fitted about said bushings and fitting into said grooves, said washers having annular cutaway portions-about which any foreign matter working its way between the links and the eyeswill drop by gravity for escape from the shackle.

10. In a lubricating device for the shackle connections of a vehicle spring suspension, the combination of a source of lubricant sup ply; an upper shackle bolt; a lower shackle bolt; direct connection between said supply and the bearing surface of one of said bolts; and direct connections for leading the used oil from the bearing surface of said last named bolt to the bearing surface of said other bolt.

11. In alubricating device for the shackle connections of a vehicle spring suspension, the combination of an upper and a lower shackle bolt; links connecting said bolts; means for supplying oil directly to the hearing surface of said upper bolt; and means associated with one of said links for leading the oil after it has been used by said upper bolt to the bearing surface of said lower bolt.

12. lln a lubricating device for the shackle connections of a vehicle spring suspension the combination of an upper and a lower shackle bolt; a pair of sleeves constituting a portion of the bearings for said bolts; a link connection provided with bores having pockets and also provided with a passage joining said pockets and constituting another portion of the bearings for said bolts; an oil supply; and connections leading oil through the sleeve of said upper bolt whereby said oil may be first used on the surface of said upper bolt and then lead to the surface of said lower bolt.

Signed at New York city in the county of New York and State of New York this 27th day of July, A. D. 1923.

JQSEPH BllJ Uld. 

